Tag Nina Simone

“Do What You Gotta Do” (Jimmy Webb/Johnny Rivers/Al Wilson/Nina Simone/Four Tops)

Just Across the River, Jimmy Webb

Jimmy Webb is one of the premier songwriters of the 20th century. Even his lesser-known tunes get covered by a multitude of artists, because they’re so darned good. Today’s classic song of the day is a case in point. The song is “Do What You Gotta Do” and it was a minor hit for a few different artists, as well…

Read More“Do What You Gotta Do” (Jimmy Webb/Johnny Rivers/Al Wilson/Nina Simone/Four Tops)

“I Think It’s Going to Rain Today” (Randy Newman/Judy Collins/Dusty Springfield, and more)

Randy Newman

This is our final day of our week of rain-themed songs, and today’s classic rain-themed song of the day is Randy Newman’s “I Think It’s Going to Rain Today.” Mr. Newman wrote this back in 1963 or 1964, to the best of his recollection, and it has since been covered by a metric ton of different artists, including Judy Collins…

Read More“I Think It’s Going to Rain Today” (Randy Newman/Judy Collins/Dusty Springfield, and more)

“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” (Nina Simone/The Animals/Santa Esmeralda)

Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, The Animals

Today’s classic song of the day had popular recordings by three very different artists in three very different styles. We’re talking about “Don’t Be Misunderstood,” first recorded by Nina Simone in a simmering soul version, then by the Animals in a bluesy rock version, then by Santa Esmeralda in a fiery Latin disco version. It says something that the song…

Read More“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” (Nina Simone/The Animals/Santa Esmeralda)